Rodrigo Mora has reflected on his move to Roma, life in the Italian capital and the opportunity to play alongside Paulo Dybala.
The Portuguese teenager, currently representing Portugal Under-21s, discussed the opening months of his Giallorossi career during an interview with Canal 11.
Portugal Under-21 ambitions
Mora began by discussing Portugal’s ambition to qualify for the European Under-21 Championship and make history in the competition.
“It is a great team. We want to secure qualification during these three matches. Portugal have never won the European Under-21 Championship, and we care about it enormously.”
Mora reflects on his Roma move
The midfielder spent his entire life in Porto before accepting the challenge of moving to Serie A.
“I lived in Porto for 19 years and spent 10 of them playing for FC Porto. I arrived in a different culture, but I am happy and believe it will be a positive change for me.”
Mora also described the experience of playing in front of Roma’s supporters at the Stadio Olimpico.
“The pressure of playing at the Olimpico? It is a special atmosphere, and it makes you really want to score.”
Playing alongside Paulo Dybala
Mora reserved particularly warm words for Dybala, revealing how much the Argentine has helped him since his arrival.
“I watched him when I was a child, and now being able to train and play alongside him—it is wonderful to watch him. He is a very humble person and has helped me enormously during this first period. I am grateful to be able to play alongside him.”
Leaving Porto for a new challenge
Despite his excitement about joining Roma, Mora admitted that leaving his boyhood club was emotionally difficult.
“Goodbyes are never easy. It was difficult for me because it had been such a long period. It was my home, and I believe it always will be.”
“It was difficult, but I know that every cycle comes to an end and can begin again later. The most important thing is that I left with a full heart and as a champion. I think that is what matters most.”
“I will always be a Porto supporter cheering from Italy. I know things are going well, and I hope they continue like this and win a second consecutive title.”
Mora explained that he felt the time had arrived to test himself in a different environment.
“I knew that I needed a new challenge in my life. I am extremely grateful for all those years, but this was what I wanted. I believe a new challenge in a league as competitive as the Italian one will be good for me.”
Mora targets trophies with Roma
The Portuguese talent has already made his Champions League debut and now wants to establish himself at Roma.
“Everything changes very quickly in football. For now, I only want to have a good season with Roma.”
“I made my Champions League debut, which was an important step for me because I had never played in the competition before. I hope to win trophies with Roma and play as much as possible.”
Asked whether Roma could win a trophy during his first season, Mora emphasized the need to remain focused.
“We are in a good moment, but Serie A is a very competitive league. The situation can change very quickly, and we must always remain focused. We are on the right path.”
The senior Portugal team remains the dream
Mora has already come close to making his senior international debut and remains determined to earn another opportunity.
“It is everyone’s dream. I have already been called up twice and joined the squad once, but I was injured.”
“We all have that dream, but you have to continue working step by step. That day will arrive.”
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